The Harvard Men's Basketball team is on fire! They're gearing up for an exciting homestand, and the action starts with a clash against the University of New Hampshire on Sunday afternoon.
Game Day Details:
The Crimson, fresh off a dominant 79-50 victory over MIT in their season opener, are ready to showcase their skills at Lavietes Pavilion. This game, set for November 9th at noon, will be broadcast on ESPN+, so fans won't miss a second of the action.
Key Players to Watch:
- Thomas Batties II (https://gocrimson.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/thomas-batties-ii/30267): This junior forward kicked off the season with a bang, scoring a game-high 17 points against MIT. He's a force to be reckoned with under the basket.
- Chandler Piggé (https://gocrimson.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/chandler-pigg-eacute-/30276): A senior guard with a well-rounded game, Piggé contributed 13 points, 5 rebounds, and a game-high 5 assists in the opener. He's a playmaker who can do it all.
- Tey Barbour (https://gocrimson.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tey-barbour/30266): This sophomore guard is a sharpshooter, netting 12 points and sinking four 3-pointers in the home opener. He's a threat from beyond the arc.
But here's where it gets interesting: Harvard's sophomore sensation, Robert Hinton (https://gocrimson.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/robert-hinton/30272), has been on a scoring spree. He led the team with 21 points in the exhibition finale against UMass Boston and also shone in the exhibition opener against Providence. And this is the part most fans are buzzing about: Hinton is the 2024-25 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, and his stellar performance has continued into this season. But can he keep up this momentum against tougher opponents?
The Team's Strengths:
- Returning Power: Harvard retains 77.2% of its scoring from last season, including its top three scorers. This continuity is a huge advantage, especially with 81.9% of rebounding and 69.6% of assists returning as well.
- Ivy League Dominance: The Crimson stands alone in the Ivy League, being the only team to bring back three double-figure scorers from last season. This trio includes Hinton, Piggé, and Batties II, who are all set to make a significant impact.
- International Experience: Hinton represented Chinese Taipei, while Piggé played for the USA in international competitions. This global exposure adds a unique dimension to their game.
Controversy Alert: Some fans argue that Harvard's success is due to its strong returning core, but others believe it's the result of a well-rounded team effort. What's your take? Is it individual brilliance or team synergy that drives the Crimson's winning streak?
Upcoming Schedule:
- Nov 19: Penn State (a power conference opponent) will provide a stern test.
- Nov 26: Boston College comes to town, adding to the local rivalry.
- Dec 23: St. John's will be a challenging opponent during the holiday season.
And don't forget: Harvard has a long history with New Hampshire, leading the all-time series 25-13. The Crimson has won the last six meetings, including a 72-62 victory last season. Will they extend their winning streak, or will New Hampshire pull off an upset?
Stay tuned as the Harvard Men's Basketball team continues to thrill fans with their high-octane performances. This homestand promises to be a thrilling ride!
